German prosecutors probing submarine sale to Israel
German prosecutors confirmed on 26 March that they are investigating the 2017 sale of three submarines to Israel, following recent media reports into the deal.
On 25 March, business newspaper Handelsblatt reported that German authorities are investigating the large military contract concerning the sale of German-built submarines, at the request of authorities in Israel who have been investigating the matter since 2016.
‘An evaluation of the (international) press coverage has given cause for a preliminary investigation,’ a spokesman for Bochum's prosecutors office, which specialises in financial corruption cases, told AFP without giving more details.
The case, known as ‘3000’, focuses on suspicion of corruption surrounding the sale of three Dolphin-class submarines and four Sa'ar 6 naval vessels, built by Thyssenkrupp for a reported sum of around $2 billion.
Last week a former Thyssenkrupp employee was arrested in Israel after informing police of his intention to ‘change the version he gave during the investigation’ into corruption suspicions around the purchase of the German submarines.
Police said in November 2018 there was evidence to press charges against a number of suspects.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
